At just 18, Parkersburg South High School senior Ethan Perry is already making waves through his musical talent and strong work ethic—both in the classroom and under the hood of a car.
Ethan is no stranger to the spotlight. For the past four years, he’s been part of the school’s elite audition-based music groups, including Concert Choir, Chamber Ensemble, Madrigal Singers, and the Mixed A Cappella Group. Not only that, but he plays tenor saxophone (first chair for three years) in the Jazz Band and French horn (first chair for four years) in the Symphonic Band.
His musical journey began early. “I started playing guitar when I was a wee kid,” Ethan said. “Music has always been how I express myself.” Whether it’s vocals or instruments, he thrives on the emotional connection music provides.
Middle school was a turning point for him. After falling in love with the saxophone solo in George Michael’s “Careless Whisper,” his parents gifted him his first tenor sax. Originally trained on trumpet, he quickly picked up the French horn and has been mastering new instruments ever since—around 30 of them to date.
“If someone hands me an instrument, I’ll figure it out,” Ethan said confidently.
That versatility paid off. He recently won Outstanding Soloist Saxophone High School Division 2025 at the Southern Regional Jazz Band Festival at Marshall University and received the Maestro Award at the World Strides Music Festival in Chicago for his vocal solo in “Nearer, My God, to Thee.”
Though he’s trained in various genres, Ethan feels most at home with acoustic country music. One of his favorite songs to play is “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan—a song he learned as a freshman that helped him through tough times. “I’m a big lyrics person,” he said. “It’s all about the story and how I can connect with it.”
Ethan is also the first and only freshman ever accepted into South’s Chamber Ensemble, usually reserved for upperclassmen. He’s represented West Virginia in both state and national choirs, including the prestigious National American Choral Directors Association SATB 11–12 Honor Choir in Dallas.
But there’s more to Ethan than music. He’s just as passionate about cars and plans to pursue a career in auto body repair. Already accepted with scholarships to Lincoln Tech in Nashville—a leading school for diesel technology—he’s preparing for the future through hands-on training at the Wood County Technical Center and a part-time job in the field.
“Cars were my first love,” he said. “I’ve worked on a lot of them.”
Ethan currently drives a Toyota Tacoma but his pride and joy is a 1995 Chevy S-10 he bought for $700. He’s replaced the transmission and installed three motors—two of which didn’t make it. “That’s my forever project,” he joked. “I’ll keep that one until the day I die.”
Balancing music, school, and work has taught Ethan valuable life lessons.
“You have to work hard to be able to do what you want, not the other way around,” he said. “I pay for my truck loan, gas, and insurance all on my own. Being independent has shown me what I’m capable of and what I need to work on.”
From mastering 30 instruments to rebuilding engines, Ethan Perry is a shining example of talent, resilience, and determination. Whether he’s on stage or in the garage, he’s charting his own course—and doing it with heart.
